In Early Buddhism, the monastic educational system focused on the understanding of the Dharma-relying solely upon the essential truth found therein. Despite the lineage between the teacher and his disciples, the essence of this relationship is to take refuge in the Dharma, which means to have right understanding of the Buddha Dharma. This is called "relying on the Dharma and not on the person (i.e. teacher)." Through diligently practicing the teachings and eradicating attachment, the Buddhist monastics reached a consensus that their ultimate goal was to be self-liberation and a spirit of altruism. That "relying on the Dharma" has helped not only to build a foundation of self-disciplined moral values and the rule of law but also to prevent a malady of entirely deferring to a person. This teaching helps enhance the self-awareness and benefits the monastic harmony and solidarity without strife. This criterion that possesses the spirit of scientific experimentalism is appropriate for the modern world to follow as well.
